Security PTZ Cameras

What are Security PTZ Cameras?

Security PTZ Cameras allow you to fully control the cameras ability to (PTZ) pan, tilt, and zoom. This gives you the advantage of monitoring larger scenes and areas that typically require several fixed cameras. Moving the PTZ camera to follow or monitor suspicious characters or actions allows for a more detailed image of possible incidents in real time. PTZ CCTV cameras give you the security of surveillance with a minimal installation.

How do CCTV PTZ Cameras Work?

CCTV PTZ cameras have built in mechanical parts that allow the lens and the camera move. PTZ cameras often come with ability to program tours either inside the camera itself or via the NVR or DVR. These tours are predetermined positions that you set and will automatically move to those positions on a set schedule. There are many other functions and options available from various PTZ cameras. Some PTZ cameras or digital video recorders essentially permit the video camera to immediately shift and move when activity is detected, enabling the camera to pursue dubious activity as it moves.

Some PTZ cameras offer different range of movement and this should be considered before purchasing. A majority of the PTZ surveillance cameras offer 360 pan, which allows the camera to turn in a complete circle with no blind spots surrounding it. Some PTZ models do not offer full 360 range and actually stop short of 360 forcing you to go back the other direction instead of going completely around. We highly suggest you purchase a PTZ camera that has restriction on range in movement so you camera may have more flexibility.

Security cameras offer two types of zoom. Optical zoom signifies the camera lens actually physically moves to zoom in, increasing a spot of curiosity by moving closer. Optical zoom maintains the image quality, as a result the video camera can easily continue to document crystal clear video .Digital zoom, the option to optical zoom, enables you to zoom in on the preferred region during live or after the video was recorded. Digital zoom does not physically move the lens but merely enlarges a pre-existing image, video quality is generally lessened by zooming in too much and pixelating the picture. Digital zoom works very well when used in conjunction with an optical lens to enhance the zoom capability.

Because of their added components and movements PTZ cameras consume far more power than typical fixed. Many of the newer IP PTZ cameras can now be powered using PoE or PoE+ which makes for easier installation.

How CCTV PTZ Cameras Can Help You.

Wholesale Surveillance CamerasConsidering that PTZ cameras can automatically shift or move when activity is detected you can easily use a single camera to monitor an entire area or room which normally would require two or more fixed security cameras. The flexibility with PTZ cameras makes them ideal for those locations where high levels of activity occur, including shopping locations and parking lots where you may follow anything of interest that may occur. Some other possible uses for surveillance PTZ cameras may include:

  • Those wide open spaces where you have many points of interest. The camera can move to document and monitor those points.
  • Security guard stations, where authorized security staff can use the pan, tilt, or zoom functions to follow and see suspicious activity
  • As part secondary add-on or back up to your overall surveillance system. Working with with fixed cameras the CCTV PTZ camera can follow key activities, while your fixed cameras document and record detailed shots of the area.

There are always key important factors to consider when installing PTZ cameras as part of your security system. We suggest that PTZ cameras be included as part of your overall security system. We suggest you answer these key questions to determine if you need a PTZ camera:

  • Do you want to recognize faces when recording your cameras?
  • Do you need a camera to pan and tilt? A PTZ camera with full motion 360 pan will remove all blind spots, but installing a camera on a corner will not need to record the wall directly behind it.
  • Do you want digital or optical zoom? Optical zoom allows for realtime clear and more detailed images because the optical zoom physically zooms in to an object and does not distort the image.